If you’re on the hunt for a shampoo that not only cleanses but also pampers your hair, the Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Shampoo might just be your holy grail. As someone who’s tried countless shampoos—from drugstore brands to high-end salon products—I can confidently say this one stands out. Whether you have dry, damaged, or color-treated hair, this shampoo promises to deliver. But does it live up to the hype? Let me walk you through my experience, the pros, cons, and how to get the most out of it. Trust me, by the end of this review, you’ll know if it’s worth adding to your shower shelf.
My First Impressions

When I first got my hands on the Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Shampoo, I was immediately drawn to its sleek, eco-friendly packaging. The fact that it’s made from at least 25% post-consumer recycled materials is a huge plus for someone like me who’s trying to be more environmentally conscious. The bottle felt sturdy, and the ginger tea scent was refreshing—not overpowering, just the right amount of zing to wake up my senses.
I decided to test it out on my color-treated hair, which has been feeling dry and brittle lately. The first thing I noticed was how rich the lather was. A little goes a long way, which is great because it means the bottle will last longer. As I massaged it into my scalp, the ginger scent filled the air, making the whole experience feel like a mini spa session.
Why Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Shampoo Stands Out
Pros
- Ultra-Rich Lather: The shampoo creates a luxurious lather that feels indulgent and thoroughly cleanses without stripping your hair of its natural oils.
- Color-Safe Formula: If you’ve spent a fortune on hair color like I have, you’ll appreciate how gentle this shampoo is. It protects your color while keeping your hair vibrant.
- Sulfate-Free: Free from SLS, SLES, and ALS, this shampoo is perfect for those with sensitive scalps or anyone trying to avoid harsh chemicals.
- Paraben-Free: No parabens mean no unnecessary chemicals, making it a safer choice for long-term use.
- Awapuhi Extract: Sourced from Paul Mitchell’s farm in Hawaii, this ingredient balances moisture, leaving your hair manageable and shiny.
- KeraTriplex Technology: The keratin protein complex helps repair and rebuild brittle strands, making your hair look and feel healthier.
- Eco-Friendly Packaging: The use of post-consumer recycled materials is a big win for sustainability.
- Refreshing Scent: The ginger tea fragrance is invigorating without being overwhelming, making your shower experience more enjoyable.
- Ideal for Dry and Damaged Hair: If your hair feels like straw, this shampoo can help restore its softness and shine.
- Long-Lasting: A little goes a long way, so you won’t need to repurchase frequently.
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Cons
- Price Point: It’s definitely on the pricier side compared to drugstore brands, but the quality justifies the cost.
- Availability: It’s not always easy to find in local stores, so you might need to order online.
- Scent Preference: While I love the ginger tea scent, it might not be for everyone. If you’re not a fan of herbal fragrances, this could be a downside.
- Not for Oily Hair: If you have naturally oily hair, this shampoo might feel too moisturizing.
- Packaging Size: The bottle is a bit bulky, which can be inconvenient if you travel frequently.
- Takes Time to See Results: While it feels great from the first use, the repairing benefits take a few washes to become noticeable.
- Not for All Hair Types: While it’s great for dry and damaged hair, those with fine or oily hair might find it too heavy.
- Limited Refill Options: The eco-friendly packaging is great, but there aren’t many refill options available, which could lead to more plastic waste over time.
How To Get The Most Out Of Your Paul Mitchell Ginger Shampoo

To maximize the benefits of this shampoo, here are some tips I’ve learned from using it:
- Use Sparingly: A little goes a long way. Start with a small amount and add more if needed.
- Focus on the Scalp: Massage the shampoo into your scalp to stimulate blood flow and ensure a thorough cleanse.
- Pair with the Conditioner: For best results, use the matching Awapuhi Wild Ginger Conditioner. It enhances the shampoo’s benefits and leaves your hair silky smooth.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Make sure to rinse out all the shampoo to avoid buildup, which can weigh down your hair.
- Use Cool Water: Rinsing with cool water helps seal the hair cuticles, locking in moisture and shine.
- Limit Heat Styling: To maintain the repairing effects, reduce the use of heat styling tools and always use a heat protectant.
- Deep Condition Weekly: Pair this shampoo with a deep conditioning treatment once a week for extra hydration.
- Store Properly: Keep the bottle in a cool, dry place to preserve its quality and scent.
Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Shampoo Vs. Other Brands
When it comes to high-quality shampoos, the Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Shampoo is in a league of its own. Here’s how it compares to other popular options:
Paul Mitchell vs. Drugstore Brands
- Quality: Drugstore shampoos often contain sulfates and parabens, which can be harsh on your hair. Paul Mitchell’s sulfate-free and paraben-free formula is much gentler.
- Lather: While drugstore shampoos can lather well, they often rely on sulfates to do so. Paul Mitchell achieves a rich lather without harsh chemicals.
- Fragrance: The ginger tea scent is unique and refreshing, unlike the artificial fragrances found in many drugstore brands.
Paul Mitchell vs. High-End Salon Brands
- Price: While Paul Mitchell is pricier than drugstore brands, it’s more affordable than many high-end salon shampoos.
- Eco-Friendly Packaging: Many salon brands don’t prioritize sustainability, but Paul Mitchell’s use of recycled materials sets it apart.
- Repairing Benefits: The KeraTriplex technology makes this shampoo stand out, offering repairing benefits that rival even the most expensive salon brands.
Maintenance Tips For Your Paul Mitchell Ginger Shampoo
To ensure you get the most out of your Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Shampoo, here are some maintenance tips I’ve picked up:

- Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Keep the shampoo away from direct sunlight and humidity to preserve its quality and fragrance.
- Shake Before Use: Give the bottle a gentle shake before each use to ensure the ingredients are well-mixed.
- Use a Pump Dispenser: If you find the bottle bulky, transfer the shampoo to a pump dispenser for easier use and better control over the amount you use.
- Avoid Water Contamination: Keep water out of the bottle to prevent dilution of the shampoo, which can affect its performance.
- Pair with the Right Conditioner: Using the matching Awapuhi Wild Ginger Conditioner enhances the shampoo’s benefits and ensures your hair gets the full treatment.
- Rotate with Other Products: While this shampoo is great, rotating it with a clarifying shampoo once a month can help remove any buildup and keep your scalp healthy.
- Travel Smart: If you’re traveling, transfer the shampoo to a smaller, travel-friendly bottle to save space and avoid spills.
- Monitor Usage: Since a little goes a long way, keep track of how much you’re using to avoid running out unexpectedly.
Frequently Asked Questions (Faq)
The ginger in Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Shampoo helps balance moisture, making your hair more manageable and shiny. It also has soothing properties that can benefit your scalp.
Yes, it’s sulfate-free, meaning it doesn’t contain SLS, SLES, or ALS. This makes it gentler on your hair and scalp, especially if you have sensitive skin or color-treated hair.
Absolutely! Its gentle, sulfate-free formula makes it safe for daily use. However, if you have oily hair, you might want to alternate with a clarifying shampoo to avoid buildup.
About This Item
Read More: My Thought on OUAI Vs. Briogeo
The Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Shampoo is a premium hair care product designed for dry, damaged, and color-treated hair. It features Awapuhi extract and KeraTriplex technology to repair and rejuvenate your hair, all while being sulfate-free and paraben-free.
My Final Thoughts
After using the Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Shampoo for several weeks, I can confidently say it’s one of the best shampoos I’ve ever tried. The ultra-rich lather, refreshing scent, and repairing benefits make it a standout product. My hair feels softer, looks shinier, and is much more manageable.
While it’s not the cheapest option out there, the quality and results justify the price. If you’re tired of shampoos that promise the world but don’t deliver, this one is worth every penny. Whether you have dry, damaged, or color-treated hair, the Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Shampoo is a game-changer.